Islamic Jihad rally in Gaza
Photo: AP
'Calm close to collapse'
Senior Islamic Jihad leader says group intends to retaliate for latest IDF operation in village near Tul Karm; two Qassam rockets land near Sderot
TEL AVIV - Senior Islamic Jihad figure Khader Khatib says the current calm in Israel-Palestinian violence is close to collapse.
IDF Operation
By Efrat Weiss
Two Palestinians fire at IDF forces searching for wanted terror suspects in a village near the West Bank town of Tul Karm Monday. Another soldier sustains light wounds; security officials believe Islamic Jihad cell based in the area
The remarks were made after a group member was killed during an IDF operation near the West Bank town of Tul Karm early Monday.
Against the backdrop of repeated Israeli violations, it appears the calm in violence could end soon, Khatib said.
"The Israeli violations have not stopped since we declared a cease-fire, and this fact puts the entire question of calm in great jeopardy," he said.
Later, two Qassam rockets landed in open areas near the southern town of Sderot, causing no injuries or damage. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the rocket attack.
Meanwhile, three separate shooting attacks, on an army outpost, IDF soldiers, and a Palestinian crossing, were reported in the Gaza Strip. No injuries or damages were reported in the attacks.
'We'll respond to violations'
The continued Israeli violations present a challenge to all Palestinian factions, which are obligated to respond to them, Khatib added.
"We'll respond to those violations, as the calm is supposed to be mutual," he said. "It makes no sense that we continue to be obligated to it while the Israelis are free to act."
However, On Sunday The Islamic Jihad already called on all Palestinian terrorist groups to reevaluate their position regarding the maintenance of calm, after a group member was detained by the IDF.
The army said the man was planning to stage a suicide bombing and filmed a videotape declaring his intentions.
